A Kiss in Ba Sing Se

[A/N: This is an A/U story. The Toph character does feel inferior to Katara and so in order to compete for Aang's affections pulls out all the stops. Aang is a boy with near infinite power and is being offered love and comfort from the two girls most dear to him.]

Chapter 28

Bloomer

The group was extremely tired as the girls went with Toph to her suite and the guys, including Iroh, enjoyed a lavish meal with King Lao and several of his high ranking officials in the King's private dining room.

Katara, Suki and Mai were given the royal treatment. The princess' apartment was transformed into an exquisite spa and awesome buffet.

As the girls were being pampered, the guys were discussing the new state of world affairs.

"Have you thought about a marriage alliance with our Kingdom, your Highness," General How asked the new Fire Lord boldly. "Our princess is quite becoming."

"Zuko is very well acquainted with Sifu Toph," Aang replied sullenly. "They are like... siblings for the most part. Isn't that right Zuko?"

"Well, let me put it this way, she's more of a sister to me than my own," the Fire Monarch commented with a raised glass, "And, spirits help the man that would make her cry."

That last comment took the monk back a bit, as he exchanged glances with the Water Tribesman.

The men retired to a large lavish library for brandy, all except for the young monk, who held on to his grape juice, while the conversation suddenly got more interesting.

"Please... everyone... rank means nothing, speak plainly as friends and colleagues. Get to know one another, " the king invited all.

The head of the Council of Five, wasted no time in approaching the airbender, "Avatar Aang, I know that the princess is your Sifu, but do you really think she is qualified to be Inspector General of the entire Army?" General How asked as he sat in an over stuffed chair, adjacent to the King's. "What does the mind of a woman know of warfare or strategy?"

Iroh twirled the dark brandy in is his snifter, heating it, "Princess Azula, my niece took this city at the tender age of 14. I believe she took it out from under you. I seriously doubt gender or age has anything to do with warfare, or strategy."

The general huffed, remembering the shameful experience, as he took a gulp of his drink.

Sokka leaned forward, "General, I use to think that women weren't much use in combat either, just walking baby makers. That was until I saw the courage and power of women like my Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior Captain, and my own sister, and most certainly Toph. They even bested the palace guard here. You should be really proud of her, your Highness. Aang and Zuko can tell you that there is no one like her as a teacher or for that matter, an earthbender."

Lao nodded, feeling the emotions, "I am... more than a dozen sons."

"So you hold this... girl... this young woman, if you would, in high esteem Avatar?" Prime Minister Chen asked dryly, "I can understand your situation. You have a multitude of lifetimes to see through, but we... we must consider the here and now!"

Aang's face hardened, not appreciating his tone, "I do hold her in the highest of esteem Prime Minister. All of my lifetimes tell me that she's more than capable... not only of doing what she has been tasked with... but far beyond! Even maybe one day being Prime Minister."

Chen huffed in disbelief, with a smirk, "Well then, it's irrefutable isn't it Avatar. Let's just hope, she'll live up to all our expectations, and I'll happily turn over my seat to her."

Sokka was now miffed, "We'll hold you too that! You pompous..."

"Now Sokka, Vice Regent, this is just a friendly chat. Minister Chen doesn't know or appreciate Toph as we do, but I'm sure one he will," the Fire Lord expressed, glaring into the man's eye, sending shivers through the Prime Minister. "I bet then he'll be happy to back her fully. You know, Minister Chen, some would consider me young, for a Fire Lord... or even Sokka here, as Vice Regent... but most assuredly, Aang..."

"I think it is time the young had an opportunity," the Dragon of the West broke in, quelling the ever threatening mood. "We older folks... we've had our day, and to tell you the truth... we have not done so well these last few years, have we?"

"B-but youth... and foolishness often go hand-in-hand," another nobleman warned, three seats away. "The only way the young moose-lion learns to hunt... is when they are given a chance! She will make mistakes... but maybe, less than we have." the shaky voice declared. "Chen, give the girl a chance!"

The Prime Minister sighed, putting a hand to his forehead, "Father! Please do not embarrass me?"

The room erupted into laughter as the Prime Minister flushed thoroughly.

Gen. Sung chortled in his subdued way, "She helped save my city, when that damnable drill was at the wall. Just ask any Dai Li agent who they would rather face in battle... your elite troops, or Toph Bei Fong. That's good enough for me," the droopy man commented, pursing his lips. "Of course, I would not have believed that two girls could have taken down my Terra Team, if I would have not seen it with my own eyes. We do live in strange times"

"This is most enlightening. I must apologize to you, your Highness," Gen. How bowed his head raising his glass towards Lao. "I can see your choice was based on her many merits, not her position.

"Toph is more than capable of training your troops Gen. How," Aang remarked confidently, "I just hope they can all survive her."

The room once more erupted into laughter.

Toph was feeling a bit tipsy after her third glass of red berry wine. It had a low alcohol content, but she had a pretty big goblet. She wore a simple white bathrobe after her relaxing bath and massage. Her friends were literally lounging around in the suite, reveling in the opulence.

Katara donned a tiara that had caught her eye of sapphires and diamonds set in white gold. The waterbender was seated with a glass of fine Fire Nation sherry and had her feet propped up on a leather ottoman. The fur lined slippers that matched her aqua green nightgown, had her feeling like a queen. She was stuffed from all the exquisite Water Tribe food.

Mai wore a pair of red silk pajamas with a raised black dragon emblem. Her raven black hair was down in four braids and she wore a rather gaudy gold necklace. The knife thrower sat across from Katara, sharing the same ottoman, as she took swigs from a scorpion-snake leather covered bottle of Si Wong Desert whiskey, very costly and rare.

Lastly, Suki appeared like a rich kept woman. The lacy, satin negligee, revealed the matching bra and panty as she stretched out on elegant cushions across the floor. She was sporting a simple golden diadem, earrings, necklaces of various styles, rings on every finger, bracelets and bangles, armbands, anklets, and toe rings... several on each. She was drinking choice hot rice wine, that now went down so smooth, she sighed with each sip.

"So these are all your things Toph?" Katara asked, marveling at the small trove of jewelry yet to be explored.

The princess shrugged, "Some of them... I have a lot more. You girls can pick any piece in the morning you want to keep. By the way... the dress makers will be here. They'll make you anything you want... anything you've ever dreamed of," she promised them. "Shoes are included... new knives also for you two," she threw in, indicating Mai and Suki.

"Thanks Toph... I really could use some new hardware," Suki replied, admiring the rings on her hands.

"She doesn't mean the jewelry Suki," Katara laughed with a small snort.

"I know that... Miss piggy-hen," the Fan Master giggled. "But... she did say we get to keep one bobble. I was just trying to decide... the diamond, ruby... or the diamond, emerald. I've never seen such perfect stones. "

"Doesn't matter what you pick... they're all flawless Suki," Mai exclaimed tonelessly. "Perfect workmanship... highest quality, but I wouldn't expect anything else of the Bei Fongs."

"Thank you Mai," Toph said, having another glass of the sweet wine poured.

The Fire Nation lady nodded, "I could definitely get twuse... uh... use to this Toph," Mai slurred, taking another hit of the rare whiskey. "But I would be the size of a Tomono Tino in no time."

Katara and Toph started to snicker at her obvious mispronunciation.

"What's a... Tomono Tino, Mai?" Suki asked, playing with the inebriated lady, "I don't think I've ever heard of one of those before, have you Katara?"

The waterbender shook her head, "Can't say I have Suki?"

The dark lady tried to sit up as the room began to spin only to fall back, "You know... they... have big... and horny... you rides them."

The other girls were laughing to the point they hardly breath now.

"What's so funny," Mai asked honestly. "Ooooh... I seess... yous n'ver ridden one," she said, shaking a finger across the group.

"If it's big and horny, Sushi has," Toph spouted out pointing a finger at the Kyoshi warrior. "Ain't that right tent hopper?"

The short haired girl's cheeks were burning as she glared at the diminutive royal, "It's Suki, not Sushi... you little peeping panderer! Remember Toph, I'm just as good a girl as you are," she threw in, causing the earthbender's face to flush, "ain't that right... tree lover?"

Toph ground her teeth, "Someone needs to mind her own business!"

The captain scowled at the blind princess, "Someone need to take their own advice!"

Katara gazes shifted between the two, not quite sure what to make of the elusive conversation.

"Hey... what are the stwo of you going on abouts," the golden eyed lady mumbled. "Weren't weez talkin abouts rhinos? No needs to getz yours panties in a bunch girls! When's you come to the Fire Nation... I'll let yous ride em... plenty to go around!"

The half jumbled statement lightened the mood. Toph took in a deep breath, nibbling on a cookie near her.

"You need to be more careful Toph," Suki whispered, understanding her unique hearing, "...you can be compromised."

The princess nodded, dropping her head as she fought against her tears of anger.

"You were looking mighty fine Sister Toph," Katara suddenly said through her partially slurred speech. "I... I thought, (hic), I would has... to put a muzzle on that fly boy of mine! But he came around."

Everyone laughed except for Toph. She turned her head to hide her growing frown.

"Are you feeling okay," Mai asked, seeing her downturn in mood, "eat something disagreeable?"

The princess forced a smile, "No Mai, I'm fine... just... just tired is all," she told her before turning back in their direction, a move that wasn't lost on the vengeful Kyoshi Captain.

Mai nodded, "Me too... you were so pretty Tophy... I had to pick Zuko's eyes up off the floor... that was after I popped them out of his head," she joked in a moment of clarity. "How did they make your boobies look so… so full! That dress... it just called out to every leopard-wolf... come and get it me... princess for the taking! I thought little Aang was going to jump you right then and there... once or twice myself!"

Toph was now blushing three shades of red. She felt Suki's eyes baring down on her, enjoying the show and watching her squirm.

"She's a growing young lady Mai... her boobs are already bigger than mine," Suki pointed out.

"Sokka's boobs are bigger than yours," Mai replied blandly.

Katara looked at the knife thrower with a smile, "Did she just make a joke Suki?"

"No," Toph remarked, "...just stated the obvious."

"How about I state a little of the obvious... my dear little princess!" Suki threatened. "Like how Aang was staring mighty hard at those little nibbles... I mean... tibbles... you know what I mean... your chest! And I don't think I've ever seen you that particular shade of red in your face before," Suki teased wholeheartedly. "It really does suit you, don't you think so Katara?"

Mai now pushed herself up to see the princess' face before exploding into laughter, "She... she... looks like a little tomato plum!"

Katara however saw Toph's downturn expression and stopped, "Toph, did something happen between you and Aang? I mean, I've never seen you behave like this and it only happens when someone mentions him. You can tell us... you're with friends. "

The princess took a deep breath, "Am I... am I really? I dress up and all I hear is how the guys, who I thought were my friend, my brothers, were treating me like meat... well in Aang's case... egg custard! How you girls... thought I was out to take them away. The threats, the words... they hurt... they really do," she cried, wiping at her misty eyes. Then... Aang... my friend... my student, feeling me up..."

"WHAT!" Katara snapped, sitting up. "When did this happen Toph?"

She looked down, running the back of her hand across her nose, "Please Katara... I-I really didn't want to tell you... I didn't want you mad at me."

"Oh spirits," Suki mumbled, just low enough for Toph, "...what an act."

"The motherly waterbender, half rolled, half staggered her way over to the younger girl, "Go ahead sweetie, tell me all about it. I won't be mad at you."

The King and his other guests had retired for the evening. Iroh also excused himself and headed home leaving the young men to talk.

The chief topic of the evening now, "How hot Toph was!"

Zuko and Sokka had each grabbed a bottles of the Omashu brandy before heading with the Avatar to his quarters.

The three sat on pillows in the library, because Aang preferred them to chairs.

"This is some mighty fine brandy Aang... to bad you don't drink," Sokka commented, refilling his glass. "More for you Zuko?"

"Sure, don't mind if I do. It's not often I get Earth Kingdom brandy of this quality," he retorted. "Maybe we can keep that other bottle for another day Sokka."

The Vice Regent smiled, "That does sound like good plan, my man. But maybe..."

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe we can get King Lao... our new friend, to give us each a case?" Sokka schemed.

The two wiggled fingers together, "Sounds like a most excellent plan Vice Regent," Zuko nodded, "and maybe we can also get some of that port as well?"

Aang could tell both his friends were feeling too good.

"Now that is thinking ahead Fire Lord," the blue eyed young man complimented his royal buddy. "Kill two birds with one boomerang."

Zuko sat his drink down as his faced brightened, "Can anyone tell me when did Toph grew those wonderful tatas!" he gasped making hand gestures on his chest. "They weren't huge... but they were definitely there! I never noticed them before, Aang did you know she had those?"

"She's a girl Zuko... they eventually do grow those I think," Aang tried to calmly answer, gritting his teeth,

"But I don't think they get packaged that well so soon," Sokka interjected talking smoothly. "I wish Suki had some of that! What we have here gentlemen, is an early bloomer!"

"Yep," Zuko agreed readily. "Our little Toph is definitely an early bloomer. If this happened on the road, we all might have been in big trouble!"

Aang's curiosity now overwhelmed his jealousy, "Why Zuko, why would it have been trouble on the road?"

The blue eyed guy shook his head, "Let me school you... my friendly little monk," Sokka chortled lighly. "I just wish I had my beard..."

"Beard?" Zuko asked.

"Please don't ask Zuko," the airbender said as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I was so glad when you finally lost that thing."

"Ahh... c'mon Aang! The beard was totally cool!" Sokka exclaimed holding out both hands. "Didn't it make me look smarter?"

Aang shook his head, "No... it was silly... so please tell me whatever you were going to say?"

The Vice Regent breathed in deeply, "Okay, I hear ya. We'll forget the beard, for now," he agreed. "This will probably explains why your people... in their vast wisdom, separated the boys from the girls."

The Avatar's interest was now really piqued, as he sat forward, "Really?"

"For sure... it starts like this. When a girl starts to grow out in certain areas," Sokka pulled out his shirt to mimic breast, "...this not only effects her body, but her brains. She starts to get the attention of the guys around her, but the other girls also notice that the guys are noticing her, and then BAMO!."

Aang's eyes popped,"What's BAMO?"

Zuko shook his head taking over, "BAMO, my naïve little friend, is when the ladies start fighting for the guy's attention. They start saying dumb stuff like... do you like my dress, or why are you looking at her that way, when you're not even dating!"

Aang recognized the questions, "So they are trying for the male's attention... to what end?"

Sokka looked shocked, "To what end you ask? Bud... this kid is naïve Zuko. The only end that means anything to a woman... dominance!" he resounded with an uplifted finger. "She wants to own you so that when she says, 'Your spending all your time with her now,' you'll feel guilty like a whipped polar bear dog and come sniveling back to her!"

As they stopped, Sokka poured another round, "You know what Zuko, I always dreamed about getting an early bloomer."

Zuko looked over at him, "Why is that Sokka, so that you could impress the other guys?"

"Ha, ha very not funny... Mr. Funny Lord... there were no other guys in my tribe."

"Sorry," the Fire Lord sighed.

Sokka waved his hand, "Forget it. Anyways, I've always wanted to be able to measure how big she got each day with my hands. You know, what I mean. I thought that would be the absolute best."

Zuko stopped sipping and thought about it with a twisted grin,"Oh wow Sokka, that would be something to have her grow to fill your palms... or even..."

"Yeah... or even is better," the Regent smirked, "much, much better!"

"Yeah, I like the better... " Zuko laughed, pretending to grope. "That would be an experience. Well it's only a sweet, sweet, sweet dream now, hey Aang"

"Yeah only a dream," the airbender absentmindedly sighed, knowing the reality of his situation.